The US has voiced concern after Taiwan imposed more measures against the Philippines over the death of a fisherman.
US State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said the US hoped both sides would "refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions".
"We want them to work through their differences on this issue as expeditiously as they can," he added. The US has close relations with both countries.
Mr Hung, the 65-year-old Taiwan fisherman, was shot dead on 9 May when a Philippine coastguard vessel opened fire on his boat, which was in disputed waters.
The Philippine coastguard said its crew acted in self-defence, believing his boat was trying to ram their vessel. However, the other Taiwanese fishermen on board denied this.
On Wednesday, Philippine President Benigno Aquino sent a representative, Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chairman Amadeo Perez, to "convey his and the Filipino people's deep regret and apology" to the fisherman's family over the "unfortunate and unintended loss of life".
Taiwan Premier Jiang Yi-huah called the apology a "positive move" but rejected the description of the death as "unintended".
"Mr Perez did not have sufficient authorisation and this shows the Philippines' lack of sincerity in resolving the incident," Mr Jiang told reporters, adding that the second wave of diplomatic measures would be implemented immediately.
These included a travel alert against the Philippines, the halting of some trade and academic exchanges, and the start of planned military drills in waters between the two countries.
Mr Jiang had already rejected an initial apology from Antonio Basilio, head of the Philippine Representative Office in Taiwan, which came after a three-day deadline set by Taiwan expired.
Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan announced it had also stopped processing work applications from Philippine workers, and recalled its envoy to the Philippines.
Source: BBC 5/16/2013
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